The actress, who is releasing a single from the show's soundtrack, revealed: "I absolutely loved singing, I have always loved singing and I love country music. I have terrible stage fright so that makes it an issue.

"But I've really taken the show as a stepping stone to get over that, and a little bit of practice of being out on stage but not having the pressure to sing live, but being in front of a crowd of people and working on your stage presence."

Hayden added: "My fear is people being able to differentiate between Hayden and Juliette Barnes, my character. And sometimes it takes time for that image of Juliette to escape from their minds."

In Nashville, Juliette is a ruthless diva, determined to steal the crown of older country singer Rayna Jaymes (Connie Britton) as the queen of country music.

Hayden revealed fans of the show can't believe how different she is to super b***h Juliette.

She said: "It's wild to me how people are like, 'You're nice!'

"I'm like, well jeez! If I was playing this character and that was really me and I knew that I was so hated and the villain and that didn't make me change my attitude, that would be truly awful. But it is surprising that people are shocked I'm not like Juliette."

:: Hayden's single Hypnotizing is released on June 24 2013 and is also on Nashville Vol 2 soundtrack out now. Nashville continues on More 4 on Thursday evenings.

Your Comments

COMMENT RULES: Comments that are judged to be defamatory, abusive or in bad taste are not acceptable and contributors who consistently fall below certain criteria will be permanently blacklisted. The moderator will not enter into debate with individual contributors and the moderator’s decision is final. It is Belfast Telegraph policy to close comments on court cases, tribunals and active legal investigations. We may also close comments on articles which are being targeted for abuse. Problems with commenting? customercare@belfasttelegraph.co.uk